Adopting a healthy diet improves survival after a heart attack. A Harvard study found that the one-fifth of heart attack survivors whose diets most improved had a 24% lower chance of all-cause death and a 26% lower chance of heart-related death.
No supplement or pill has been proven to protect against dementia. However, there is growing evidence that physical activity can slow cognitive decline.
Almost half of postmenopausal women experience dryness and thinning of the vagina and vulva. The North American Menopause Society recommends vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, as well as vaginal or oral estrogen to treat symptoms.
The link between everyday stress and heart disease may result from stress-related behaviors-such as eating an unhealthy diet, smoking, and excess drinking. Meditation and other stress-relieving techniques can help.
One out of every two adults over age 65 is at risk for diabetes. About half of them aren’t aware of it. Women can take an A1C test to assess their blood sugar levels, and use diet and exercise to prevent prediabetes from progressing to diabetes.
Women tend to feel colder than men, because the blood vessels near the skin constrict faster to divert blood to necessary organs. Certain conditions-such as hypothyroidism or Raynaud’s disease-can also contribute.
Exercising in 10-minute bursts can help people control their body mass index (BMI). However, the exercises need to be of high intensity-such as a brisk walk or climbing stairs.
A recent research review published in The Journal of the American Medical Association has found shoe inserts do little-if anything-to relieve knee arthritis pain.
People with mild high blood pressure may be able to avoid taking medication by making lifestyle changes such as cutting back on salt, losing 5 to 10 pounds, and drinking less alcohol. If medication is needed, these changes add to its benefit.
Learning about heart medicines and remembering to take them on schedule can be daunting. Get support from a doctor’s office, pharmacy, family, and friends. It may help to use new tools such as smartphone apps and smart pillboxes.